Don't wanna' give up a job for dialysis

[Aaron]

Hi all.  Sorry for starting two threads in one day.  Hopefully the moderaters don't need to break some of my fingers now.

I currently live in Iowa.  I have been offered a three month contract which has a high probability of turning into a full-time position.  Unfortunately, in order to accept the contract and the job, I have to move to Utah.  I'm not eligible for medicare, and probably not eligible for medicaid in Utah either.  Since it's just a contract position, there isn't health insurance, though there would be if it became a full time position.

I'm not eligible for medicare because I am too young to have worked 40 quarters, and I probably am not eligible for Utah medicaid because I will be making too much money (that's sort of the point of taking the job).

Are there any suggestions or options that I'm missing?  It would kill me to give up a great job on the count of dialysis.  I'm tempted to stop dialysis for three months and just take my chances.  I can live on 12% kidney function, can't I?

[dwcrawford]

Aaron, for god's sake ask your doctor's that question.  I definitly wouldn't trust somebody on a website to tell you if you can live with or without any portion of your kidneys.

As far as the job, you must be really young.  With a long life ahead of you, life is more important than a job or money.  Explore the options in both states.  In Texas how long you had worked would not be an issue but it varies.

[monrein]

I know you don't wanna give up a job for dialysis but you can't give up dialysis for a job either because you might very well end up not being around to do the job.

I can't give you any advice about other options as I live in Canada and don't have to deal with the medicare issue.  I'm sure someone will jump in though. 

Start as many threads in a day as you like.  We'll read them and try to add our 

[highlite36]

Hey there Aaron......Here's what I can tell you....It may not be much, but your health is far more important than what a job can provide.  I was very young when I got sick (19) and it was hard to give up many things.  Perhaps it wasn't that I gave them up.....it's just that I accomplished them at a slower rate than most people.  I can't tell you if 12% kidney function will last you long enough to secure that job....however, I can GUARANTEE that you qualify for Medicare.  Once your kidneys fail completely and you're on dialysis, medicare will help to cover your costs.  Jobs are great because they help to provide, but I've also learned that when you're sick, it's just really difficult to work.....It's just another burden that you have to worry about.  Take it easy....the right job will come.....  :-)  Good luck!!!  :-)

[dwcrawford]

Wow, Listen to highlite.  She has the right idea.  I was pretty sure that was the answer about Medicare in all states but didn't wanted to be safe.  Also, it think the 12% range is dependent on lots of other things (unless my nephrologist is playing one hell of a joke on me and I don't really need dialysis.

[RightSide]

Everybody's different, but I remember how I was when I had 12% of my kidney function, back before starting dialysis.

I was weak, dizzy, even nauseated, much of the time.  I had difficulty concentrating.  I wasn't able to hold down a demanding job with those symptoms.

You might be able to live with 12% of your kidney function.  Whether your health would be adequate to enable you to hold down a full-time job is another question.  Ask your physician.

Medicare considers ESRD a disability, and hence any American with ESRD qualifies for Medicare.  Medicare pays 80% of the cost of dialysis.  But that remaining 20%, plus the cost of all the meds, plus the cost of all the physician visits, can still add up.  Perhaps you can request a meeting with a social worker who can advise you on financial options.

[Inara]

I agree that you should talk to your doctor FIRST, then make your decision.

As far as being out of state/medicare/medicaid, etc., if you need dialysis out of state, emergency medicaid WILL cover you.  And if they don't, just show up at a local hospital and tell them you need dialysis.  They are bound by law to provide this life-saving treatment. 

Just don't endanger your life for a job, ANY job.  If you aren't around to work it, I'm pretty sure they won't pay you! 

[twirl]

I thought everyone, no matter what age, got medicare after 18 months of dialysis--

[dwcrawford]

twirl, in texas they do.  also get lots of other stuff.  I even get mileage to the center and 35 bucks toward my part d insurance with absolutely no income requirements ..  all from the state.  lower income people get lots more including most of their 20 percent and co pays.  If you have to have bad kidneys, Texas is the place to do it.

[Aaron]

Wow!  You folks are awesome!  Everything I read online led me to believe that I wouldn't qualify for medicare.  Nevertheless, I called them based on your messages, and it turns out I do qualify.  So, it looks like I don't have to turn down the job after all.

Thanks a lot everyone.

By the way, when I talked about stopping dialysis for the job, I was speaking in jest.  I'll try to make that a little clearer next time.

Thanks again!

Aaron

[YLGuy]

I concur Aaron.  These people are truly awesome! 

[dwcrawford]

Today, Aaron, I'd stop didalysis for a trip around the block.  Good thing I don't go today cause  I wouldnt.  Maybe tomorrow I'll change my mind.

[paris]

Glad you found some answers that helped, Aaron.   We do get very serious when someone talks about stopping dialysis because we all care about each other so much.  Sorry, if we responded a little strong!  I am sure we will get to know your sense of humor soon!